Ergonomics and Exercise - Blog 2/6

Ergonomics and exercise….the correct way to walk on the treadmill, sit on the bike, or pull those weights? No.

I sit down to write this entry and the pain in my legs is a reminder of how hard the gym session was this afternoon. I remember that I must stick to this routine and this pain won't last forever but the results will be beneficial. I am ordered by my trainer - "Lucy, stick with this and you will achieve", I hear him say. It’s these changes and this communication that ensures the exercise I do work for the intended purpose – to change.

“When exercising outdoors, the type of surface that you choose to exercise on can impact both her enjoyment and her chance of injury….parks often provide exercisers with dirt or grass paths on which to walk or run…many physical activities can easily be done at home. Some examples include using a stationary bike or treadmill, doing yoga or aerobics” (Jonas & Phillips, 2009, p.117).

The way I make changes and meet my needs as an individual depends on how hard I work at my occupation – exercise. I need to make the exercise I do fit me, fit my goals and fit my needs. In saying this, the environment must be well suited to what I do. I look down at the treadmill racing under my feet, almost faster than my feet can hold up. This is where I chose to do my activity. I could choose to do it outside on the pavement, or walk around a mall a few times in order to get exercise. I think about why I choose the gym. I choose it for the routine; a place to go to that I know will not be affected by the weather. It is raining today and I am glad I am inside, warm, on the treadmill.

Jonas, S., & Phillips, E. (2009). ACSM’s exercise is medicine: a clinicians guide to exercise prescription. Philadelphia: American College of Sports Medicine.